What about hydrogen cars?
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are another alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles but are less than half as efficient as electric vehicles (EVs). Most hydrogen is extracted from natural gas, which, when processed, emits carbon dioxide and methane, according to a 2021 study. Thus, it creates far more greenhouse[…]
Does it make sense to put solar panels or wind turbines on an EV?
Putting solar photovoltaics (PV) directly on EVs would be nice but likely not adequate. Most solar panels would add too much weight. Some newer, lighter, and flexible PV technology could generate power for interior climate control or minor tasks, but not enough to power a car a significant distance. Furthermore,[…]
Can I charge a plug-in car with solar or wind power?
The cleaner the power, the cleaner the car. Using solar photovoltaics (PV) at your home or business makes even more sense with a plug-in car. The investment in solar panels pays off faster when the solar power is not only replacing grid electricity but also replacing much more expensive gasoline.[…]
Will plug-in cars lead to more coal and nuclear power plants?
No. The existing electric grid’s off-peak capacity for power generation is sufficient to power 73 percent of commutes to and from work by cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans without building a single new power plant, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The existing nighttime electricity could also be[…]
What about overall emissions, including the car and the power plant?
Even today, with about 22% of electricity in the U.S. coming from dirty coal plants, plug-in cars reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and most other pollutants compared with other vehicle types. You don’t need to take our word for it — read the emissions summary of more than 40 studies,[…]
Can electric car batteries be recycled? Are electric car batteries bad for the environment?
While electric car batteries can be recycled for their raw materials, the market for their direct reuse is rapidly growing, eliminating the need for recycling. In fact, used EV batteries have the potential to provide valuable services to the electric grid. A battery considered to be too degraded for electric[…]
Are electric cars really better for the environment?
Electric cars are better for the environment and for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, wherever they are charged, and however the electricity is produced. When considering the full life cycle of the vehicle, electric cars are cleaner and greener than their conventional fossil fuel-burning counterparts. While it is true that building[…]
